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U.S. Capitol Closed to Tourists 2 Hours Early

Reversing a 3-year-old practice, the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., is being closed to tourists at 6 p.m. rather than 8 p.m. this year. The National Tour Assn. Inc., which represents more than 600 tour operators in the U.S., has protested the new hours.

Ted Daniel, director of visitor services for the Capitol, said Congress' Capitol Guide Board made the change based on "available personnel, visitation and security and safety needs." He said the 6-to-8-p.m. period was not "a particularly heavy use time" although he did not provide figures. The new hours, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., apply March 1 to Aug. 31. For recorded information on visiting the Capitol, call (202) 225-6827.